Heritage Square Museum

Heritage Square Museum is a living history museum that explores the settlement and development of Southern California during its first 100 years of statehood.

The eight historic structures located at the museum, constructed during the Victorian Era, were saved from demolition and serve as a perfect background to educate the public about the everyday lives of Southern Californians from the close of the 19th Century into the early decades of the 20th Century. From the simplicity of the Longfellow-Hastings Octagon House to the opulence of the William Perry Mansion, the Museum provides a unique look at the lifestyles of the people who contributed so much to the development of modern Los Angeles.

Guided tours of the museum are supplemented by living history performances, educational programs, hands-on training, exhibitions and special events, such as Museums of the Arroyo Day®, which take our guests back in time to the era where electricity was a novelty, a trip to the beach was often a full-weekend activity, and manners were distinctly different from those of today.

On weekends, tours take visitors on an exploration of Southern California history, architecture and culture as interpreted through our historic structures. At the Perry Gallery, thought-provoking and amusing exhibits can be seen year-round. In addition, Heritage Square Museum comes to life throughout the year for special living history events with museum interpreters in full period clothing. There is always something happening at the museum, that is why we like to say that Heritage Square Museum is “Where History Comes Alive!”